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Countless individuals of vibrantly dressed attendees gathered in central Addis Ababa for the annual Irreecha event this weekend.

This thanksgiving celebration is honored by the Oromo community, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and is held at the conclusion of the land's main monsoon period.

Annually, participants come together around sacred rivers and lakes to show appreciation to their creators for the fertile landscape that the rainy season have delivered.

"I've attended Irreecha for the last nine years," commented twenty-five-year-old Moata Abdulmajid.

"To me, the celebration embodies my identity, it reflects the pride and significance of my ethnic group."

Gentlemen, females, the older generation and the young all participate, ornamented in eye-catching clothes and jewellery.

They sing, perform traditional dances, share stories and deposit freshly cut green plants and floral arrangements in liquid - denoting vitality, renewal and aspiration.

International Participation

The celebration does not only attract people from all regions of Ethiopia, guests travel from around the world.

"I attended a year ago - it was so good, so spectacular, I brought my offspring with me this year," mentioned one visitor, hailing from Belfast in Northern Ireland.

"It is amazing. Everyone wants to say hello, all attendees offers affection and expresses hospitality."

Celebration Timeline

The initial day of the event took place on recently in the main city. On Sunday, festival-goers journeyed to a nearby town, a community close to the main city.

While the festival has its origins in native spiritual practices, it is now celebrated by the larger part of Oromos, regardless of their belief system.

Modern Trends

In the last ten years, the quantity of people participating in the celebration has grown significantly. This is partly due to the growth of online networks, where numerous youth record their outfits, dancing and musical expressions during the celebration.

Previous Background

In the earlier times, Irreecha was used as a venue for political demonstrations - the Oromo people have long complained about political and economic marginalisation.

However, the recent event unfolded peacefully, with an focus on happiness, togetherness and heritage appreciation.